Knoxville residents will have the option during today’s election to vote to renew the city’s Local Option Sales and Service Tax. This is a one percent tax on taxable goods and services which feeds into the city’s budget, and has been in effect for 20 years. Mayor Brian Hatch encourages voters to vote “yes” to continue funding for city services and projects.

“We take advantage and incorporate that into things like streetscape, that was accomplished through the Local Option Sales Tax. A lot of public safety equipment, firetrucks, ambulances, things like that. It’s a really important piece to the city budget. I hope it’s something people can understand and get behind. I think there’s several other projects in the future that would be great for Knoxville if we continue this.”

The measure will appear as a “yes” or “no” vote on the ballot.